Twomey’s Bakery of Dromcollogher has agreed a new three-year deal, worth €5m, with Aldi Ireland to supply all of the supermarket chain’s 150 Irish stores with its famed breads, baked scones, tarts and sponges.
A third-generation business, Twomey’s Bakery has had a partnership deal with the German discounter since 2019.
It currently supplies the stores with its batch loaf, apple tart, fruit scones, apple sponge and apple crumble and as part of the new deal, Twomey’s will introduce a new rhubarb crumble.
Managing Director Patrick Twomey said that, like all producers, the company has faced difficulties in its supply chain in recent months.
Twomey’s, founded in 1901 by James Fitzgerald (whose daughter Catherine married Thomas Twomey, who helped expand the bakery), has seen increases in the cost of ingredient prices, along with transport and energy costs, which have all proved a real challenge.
“This new contract is a big boost for our business, providing a huge degree of certainty and security,” said Mr. Twomey. “The Twomey name is synonymous with quality baking. We bring with us a wealth of baking experience and craftsmanship. Great pride is taken in the quality and perfection of product produced in the bakery.”
Twomey’s, an important local employer, has a staff of around 50.
John Curtin, Aldi Ireland Group Buying Director, said the bakery has supplied its Irish stores for almost three years now and it was delighted to further extend its partnership.
“Twomey’s saw a year-on-year increase of 25% in its sales to Aldi in 2021, and we are delighted to continue supporting the local company’s growth into the future,” Mr Curtin said. “At Aldi, we are committed to supporting our Irish producers so that our customers can enjoy the very best products Ireland has to offer.”
Currently working with over 330 Irish food and drink producers, Aldi spent €1 billion with its Irish suppliers in 2021.
Meanwhile, Daarwood Pharmacy of Newcastle West has been named among the Top 100 Stores in Ireland by Retail Excellence. “The stores selected are flying the flag for the retail industry and have raised the bar even higher this year amidst the toughest competition,” commented Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence.